The Mumbai Post

As we rode out of Mumbai, we thought of all the people we met there, and here's an effort to get you to know these people (some we know from many years), and what we take away from them besides their love and good wishes.

People at the Bombay Hub (Pooja and Rohini, Ben, Richard, Guncha): You guys have created an amazing space there and it’s incredibly vibrant and full of energy. I am told, it’s a legend as to how people somehow end up meeting ‘compellingly relevant’ people at the hub. I have seen it myself – and it’s in spaces like these and amongst people like you that we find the inspiration to believe that it’s simply too late to be pessimist! A happy planet is indeed in sight :)

Vipin - It was wonderful catching up with you at Richard's place! And I look forward to our conversations when we ride together in the North East!

Aaron - you're one amazing guy and I (Wiebke) will forever be grateful for the way you received me into your home and knew just the perfect things to say and to do. I thought we were strangers, I left feeling none of that and in the process it turned out, some of the most amazing people I met are mutual friends. I am cherishing the organic soap every single day and will come back for more of the soap, the hugs and the calming effect you had on me. Love you, man!!!

Vaibhav Bhandari and Neville Wadia - Kudos to both of you, for having done and for continuing to do what you believe in. It was wonderful sharing the space with you at Bombay Hub, and listening to your cycling stories. Way to go guys, and we’ll meet again!

Pankaj Trivedi – The man who taught us the basics of film making, and gave me several immensely useful perspectives on life, from his own journeys across the world in search of beautiful stories. Thanks for being there, Pankaj Bhai!

Prakriti Kamalakara – Amongst many things I (Kalyan) have to thank you for, there’s one thing particularly that I wish to talk about. Thanks for thinking along and helping us with the draft of the questionnaire that will go with us on this journey, and of course the internet stick :). If there’s anything else I have forgotten, just know that I love you!

Brijesh Majali and Varun Bhardwaj – Guys, thanks for keeping the faith and investing in the rural enterprise that promises clean drinking water to about 500 families in the three village cluster of Tekulodu. And Brijesh, thanks for the line - “Responsibility” is the single biggest take-away from the Mahabharata.

Sarvmeet Singh Oberoi – I am always inspired by the ease with which you smile and make others happy. It’s a seriously important omen that the pigeon reappeared, the day after Gokul! You are the chosen one , but seriously man, you are a bundle of joy... isn’t that how they describe a chubby (read: healthy) Labrador? Keep flowing  my friend! Thank you for being there and for supporting our project in so many ways – including, connecting us to some amazing people.

AP Parigi: It’s always an experience meeting you Mr Parigi! How you pack those nuggets of wisdom in the few minutes one gets with you. Thanks for endorsing our project and for promising to support. Means a lot to us!!

Indira Rangarajan: Meeting you was such a beautiful experience Indira. Thank you for all the support promised on behalf of Radio Mirchi! Please take care of yourself and I look forward to meeting you again!

Michael Norton – When we discussed what I felt was the biggest challenge – that of finding a way to disseminate the information we collect during our ride, to the world at large – you casually suggested “You should do something like the Farmville”. Our direction for the next 7 months on the road and beyond will be driven by an idea broadly inspired by your ‘casual’ suggestion!  Thank you!

Mayank Sekhsaria – It was super meeting you Mayank! We will spread the word about the great work you guys at GreenLightPlanet are doing, in all the villages we pass through. Keep spreading the light!!

Akshay Tandon, Danesh Narang, Arjun Rastogi, Faiz Rizmi and Parvez Kaleem – I am simply amazed at how similar our thought processes have been, and how we are attempting to serve the same goal with mostly similar means. Makes great case for collaborations! Thank you so much guys for offering to manage our data logistics. We are super excited about the possibilities of working together during and post the ride! bethekey.in and you guys rock! Faiz and Parvez, thank you for your patience during the video shoot!

Faisal Thakur and Zubair Lodi – Inspired by the American Choppers, Faisal and Zubair started the custom bicycle building workshop. When we met them, to get our front racks built, the way they went about it reminded me of the following line from the movie, TheLastSamurai: “They are intriguing people. From the moment they wake they devote themselves to the perfection of whatever they pursue. I have never seen such discipline.” It was lovely meeting Faisal’s dad, he promised
us a special sea food dinner the next time we are in Mumbai. We had such a lovely time interacting with all of you, sipping on the endless supply of masala chai from next door, and occasionally munching on the amazing bajjis. People who love bikes – if you are in Mumbai, get in touch with these guys, if you are elsewhere in India, get connected to them on Facebook or email them. Trust us, they are awesome and will have a lot to share with you!

And the UP Taxi wallahs: Everyone of them has given his number to us, asking us to call them when we get to UP, promising that they will help us arrange for our stay there. Thank you! More important than that, they have been extremely patient with our bikes denting the tops of their cabs. Thank you guys! You are probably amongst the first set of people, strangers to Mumbai meet, and you have just such a lovely way of telling them how good the city can be!